Adult-use or recreational cannabis

Adult-use cannabis refers to the use of cannabis for reasons other than medicinal, i.e. recreational purposes. The term adultuse is used to emphasise the fact that where cannabis is legalised, it is intended for consumption by adults of legal age only and for reasons more broad than recreation, including, for example, increasing physical performance, engaging in creative activities and for spiritual purposes. For a full picture of the legalisation of adult-use cannabis in Europe.

Industrial hemp

Industrial hemp refers to cannabis plants cultivated for high yields of materials like seeds, fibre and oil, with low concentrations of psychoactive compounds. The common limit for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in hemp materials in Europe is 0.2% w/w but this varies and can be as high as 0.6% and 1% in Italy and Switzerland respectively.

Medical cannabis

Cannabinoid-based medicine not holding marketing authorisation and therefore sold as an unlicensed medicine that is supplied through health systems and prescribed by a doctor; Or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) to be manipulated and/or compounded by a magistral pharmacy in order to prepare a cannabinoid-based medicine without marketing authorisation (unlicensed).

Pharmaceutical cannabis

Formulated, processed or synthetic cannabis sold as a finished product, which has undergone full medical trials, and holds (in one or more geographical areas) a medical marketing authorisation e.g. Cesamet®, Marinol®, Syndros®, Sativex®, Epidiolex® and any derived generic medicines (such as dronabinol).

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

Medicines sold directly to a patient without the need for a prescription from a healthcare professional, as opposed to prescription drugs, which are supplied only to patients possessing a valid prescription.

Minor Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids found in low concentrations in the cannabis plant such as Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN). Many have been shown to be bio-active though evidence for their therapeutic benefits is, as yet, lacking. Many researchers hope these benefits will provide a host of new ways for modulating the endocannabinoid system.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The other primary cannabinoid, and the main psychoactive cannabinoid of cannabis. THC is considered the primary source of the ‘high’ produced by ingesting cannabis. Evidence suggests that THC exhibits medicinal properties that are useful in treating chemotherapy-related nausea, pain and spasticity. THC can also be synthesised and, in general, is more widely controlled than CBD.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Major cannabinoid extracted from cannabis sativa (mostly low-THC hemp). It is claimed to provide wide-ranging properties useful for health and wellness including; anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-arthritic and neuroprotective effects. Recommended by some as a treatment for conditions such as epilepsy, as well as pain and insomnia.

Quoted from Prohibition Partners